There’s something about back-to-school season that makes us want to buy a fresh notebook, reorganize our calendar, and finally figure out a system for all those to-dos floating around in our heads. And it’s not in your head. Research suggests that making specific plans for when, where, and how you’ll tackle a goal can make it easier to turn intentions into action—meaning a little structure can go a long way.
So consider this your grown-up school-supply list. From planners that keep your schedule straight to organization systems and small habits that lighten the mental load, these picks are here to help you spend less time managing your life and more time actually living it.
Work & School Prep: The most important part of sticking to a routine is making your calendar work for you. We love the weekly planner from The Dailee because it gives us room to expand where we need to, all in an organized fashion. But if you need a bit more structure to your organization, we totally hear you and love the 12-month planner from Stil (which also happens to be a chic accessory in its own right).
Meal Prep: Nothing helps us stay on track like a prepared kitchen plan, which means having chic containers (we like these from Caraway) with meals ready to go when your week gets busy.
Closet Prep: Since we’re still waiting for Cher’s iconic digital wardrobe to come across our desks (although there are a few out there worth trying), we love using hanging closet storage containers (like this cute pink one) to plan for the week ahead. Trust us, it will save you from having clothes all over your room.
Beauty Prep: Between skincare, makeup, and hair, our bathrooms are starting to look a little overwhelming. But when you’re organized, getting ready can become fun again. Our editors swear by using drawers (like these) so that everything is in order and has its place.
